Writing for Accessibility: How Captions and Subtitles Improve User Experience
Enhancing UX Design and UX Writing through Innovative Captioning and Subtitles
As we continue to create digital experiences that are inclusive for all users, the topic of subtitles, captions, and audio descriptions are becoming increasingly important. These features are not only essential for users who are deaf or hard of hearing but are also useful for users who want to consume content in noisy environments or in public spaces.
During the WORDS 2023 conference, Vitaly Friedman, the Creative Lead of Smashing Magazine and a UX consultant for the European Parliament, discussed the importance of designing user-friendly subtitles and captions that enhance the user experience. In this article, we’ll summarize the key takeaways from his talk and how they can be applied in UX design.
Subtitles and captions are essential for accessibility
Friedman emphasized that subtitles and captions are essential for accessibility, especially for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. He explained that captions and subtitles are different, with captions including not only the dialogue but also sound effects, music, and other audio cues. Designing subtitles and captions with accessibility in mind is crucial to ensure all users have equal access to content.
Customization can enhance accessibility
Friedman suggests that customization options for subtitles and captions can enhance accessibility further. Rather than having to adjust font size, style, and color, he suggests providing presets that cater to users’ needs, such as dyslexia or visual impairment. This approach would allow users to select their preferred preset without having to tinker with multiple settings to make the content more accessible.
Design for localization
When designing subtitles and captions, it is essential to consider localization, which means naming the language in its local format. Using flags is not always the best option as languages often cross borders. Instead, using global icons and labeling languages locally will ensure that users can select their preferred language, no matter where they are located.
Enable search through transcripts
Allowing users to search through transcripts is a powerful feature that can help users quickly find the content they need. This feature is especially useful for videos with lengthy content, such as lectures or presentations. Friedman suggests providing a search bar on the front page of the multimedia center, allowing users to search for transcripts and locate the content they need.
Decouple audio and closed captioning
Friedman emphasizes the importance of decoupling audio and closed captioning to ensure users have the freedom to select the language they prefer. Closed captioning often includes detailed audio descriptions in specific languages, which may not be suitable for all users. Decoupling audio and closed captioning allows users to select the language that works best for them.
In conclusion, designing subtitles and captions with accessibility in mind is critical to ensuring all users have equal access to content. Providing customization options, designing for localization, enabling search through transcripts, and decoupling audio and closed captioning are essential features that enhance the user experience. As UX designers, it is our responsibility to make digital experiences accessible to everyone. By following the key takeaways from Vitaly Friedman’s talk, we can create more inclusive and user-friendly designs that benefit everyone.
In addition to his talk at the WORDS 2023 conference, Vitaly Friedman also wrote an article on the topic of captions and subtitles in UX design. To read his full article, click here.
